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Use a USB charger with a newer PowerBook and 10.3
Authored by: _merlin on Nov 04, '04 09:55:38PM

The problem is that these USB chargers draw current from the USB port without requesting it first. The USB standard requires devices to start up in low-power mode, and not draw more than a small current before a configuration with higher current requirements is selected by a driver or application on the computer. The USB chargers don't do this. The PowerBook can supply 500mA, but it will limit the current to far lower than this if the device hasn't requested it.



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Use a USB charger with a newer PowerBook and 10.3
Authored by: unforeseen:X11 on Nov 05, '04 04:32:52AM

very interesting, thanks.



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Use a USB charger with a newer PowerBook and 10.3
Authored by: gvitale on Nov 05, '04 04:40:36AM

Is there a (software) way to "prompt" the USB port to deliver the required current?



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Use a USB charger with a newer PowerBook and 10.3
Authored by: steeviant on Nov 07, '04 08:32:38AM

Yes, open System Preferences :)



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Use a USB charger with a newer PowerBook and 10.3
Authored by: scottjenson on Nov 08, '04 09:36:06AM

If I were to plug in a 'powered USB hub' into the powerbook and then plug the charger into this hub, would this solve the problem?

My guess is that the hub may do this type of USB protocol power request so it the power could be coaxed to flow...

Btw, I was the guy that posted the original question. Thanks for your insight as to what was going on.

Scott



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